A homecoming win against a rival, and a birthday present for a senior.
The Durango High School volleyball team picked up a 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-15) victory against Southwestern League rival Montezuma-Cortez on Thursday night inside the DHS gymnasium. It was a big win for the Demons (10-6, 3-2 SWL), and it was even more special for senior middle blocker Laura Lieb, who was serenaded with a happy birthday song from a raucous student section that was eager to see their team win before the homecoming bonfire.
“It was a really great present to have on my birthday. I definitely really enjoyed it,” said Lieb, daughter of Bobby and Meredith Lieb.
The first two sets were highly contested. Neither team could control serve in the first set until Lieb, who had five kills, two blocks and one ace, controlled serve for five consecutive points. DHS cruised from the 17-11 advantage to close out the set.
DHS averages 2.7 aces per set, and the Demons totaled five aces Thursday night.
“The serving was good, but that was probably our best defensive game, too,” DHS head coach Colleen Keresey said. “It is something we worked on all week in practice, and it was nice to see it pay off.”
DHS libero Sarah Lawton had 27 digs, one kill and one ace to lead the back line. Maddie Robertson had another 15 digs, as did Hailey Warren.
“I definitely try hard defensively, but a lot of my teammates, I have to give it to them, too,” said Lawton, daughter of Rich and Sue Lawton. “We were just really competitive passing and putting the ball away when we needed to, too.”
DHS senior setter Logan Clark put on a passing display with 28 assists. She also added 15 digs, seven kills, two aces and two blocks.
“Our team passing was amazing,” Lieb said. “I thank my defense so much, because I don’t play back row. It’s definitely great to have all the passes, and shoutout to all my defensive players.”
DHS junior middle blocker Lia Henriksen led the team with nine kills. Junior outside hitter Alli Davis also had five kills to go with 19 digs. Junior right-side hitter Sarah Waller added another five kills, five digs and one ace for the Demons.
After a highly contested second set that the Demons won thanks to a Montezuma-Cortez illegal substitution on match point, the Demons put the Panthers away emphatically with the 25-15 win in the final set.
“That’s kind of the feel of this team. They are competitive, and they know what it takes to close teams out,” Keresey said.
The Demons have just five matches remaining in the regular season. Four of them are SWL games with a home and season finale against Montrose (11-3, 6-0 SWL). The Demons next game will be on the road at regional rival Bayfield (11-2, 3-0 Intermountain League).
Keresey said the team is ready for postseason play, but it will continue to grow each game.
“This win was great, and I can’t remember the last time we beat Cortez in three. It is important for us to make a statement and just keep playing our best volleyball,” Keresey said. “We are getting better every time we play and learning, which is most important.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
